Family Joy! Joy Forever!!

Please permit me to take a little of your time to present the Report on Our Anti-Cybercrime Crusade at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, Abuja.

Overview

Family Joy International conducted a successful anti-cybercrime crusade at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, Abuja, on May 30, 2024. The event, themed “Don’t Play the Game, Don’t Get Played,” aimed to educate students about the dangers of cybercrime and how to avoid becoming victims or perpetrators. The overall goal was to catch them young before they are neck-deep in cyber fraud or get defrauded.

Objectives

1. Prevent Early Involvement in Cyber Fraud: Educate students on the dangers and consequences of engaging in cybercrime.
2. Address Cyber Insecurity: Equip students with knowledge on identifying cyber threats and staying safe online.

Event Highlights

Catching Them Young to Prevent Cyber Peril – Keynote Address By Mr. John Odumesi

The crusade addressed the growing concern of cyber insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the involvement of young people in cyber fraud. Mr. John Odumesi, Director of Research and Development for the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), emphasized the urgency of preventative measures. “The rising number of students entangled in cybercrime is alarming,” he stated, “highlighting the need for stakeholders to intervene before they become entrenched in fraud.”

A Collaborative Effort to Empower Youths – Address by Miss Judith Emmanuel

Family Joy International Program Manager, Miss. Judith Emmanuel, echoed this sentiment. She underscored the crucial role of schools, religious organizations, and NGOs in deterring youths who view cyber fraud as a viable income source. “We need to work together to enlighten and dissuade them,” Miss. Emmanuel stressed.

Disturbing Trend of Students Ditching Schools for Cybercrimes – Address by Mr. Anthony Amalu

In his heartfelt contribution, the Country Director of Family Joy International expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of school dropouts.

He highlighted the disturbing trend: students ditching school for the supposed “get rich quick” schemes of cybercrime.

He pointed out how this dangerous path often leads to frequent run-ins with law enforcement, ultimately jeopardizing their futures before they even begin. His message was clear: education and awareness are crucial in steering these young individuals towards a brighter, more secure path.

Engaging Students, Building Awareness And Feedback

Students at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, actively participated in the crusade, expressing their appreciation to the organizers for presenting complex topics in a clear and engaging manner.

Additional Activities:

• Light Refreshments: Provided during and after the program.
• Attendance Tracking: Attendance was recorded to ensure participation and engagement.
• Photography: Photographs were taken to document the event.
• Contact Sharing: Students were given contacts to report any suspicious cybercrime activities, fostering a channel for continuous support and vigilance.

Conclusion

The anti-cybercrime crusade organized by Family Joy International was a significant step towards addressing cyber insecurity among youths in Nigeria. The event successfully raised awareness among students about the risks of cybercrime and equipped them with knowledge to stay safe online. The participation of key speakers and stakeholders underscored the collective responsibility in combating cybercrime and protecting the younger generation.

Future Recommendations:

• Regular Workshops: Conduct similar workshops regularly to reinforce cyber safety education.
• Collaborative Efforts: Encourage collaboration between schools, NGOs, and religious organizations for broader outreach.
• Continuous Support: Establish ongoing support systems and helplines for students to report cybercrime incidents and seek assistance.